Jan. 30, 2022
The Northwest Clean Air Agency has canceled a Stage 1 air quality burn ban in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County.
The ban had been in place since Jan. 13. Air quality has improved at this time because changing weather conditions are clearing out built-up smoke. NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor and outdoor burning as much as possible to avoid another burn ban in the near future.
Burn bans are based on weather forecasts and current air pollution from small particles. They are called when air quality is predicted to be worse than the national health-based standard for at least 24 hours.
Fine particles in wood smoke are harmful because they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues. Smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults ages 65 and older.
Check NWCAA’s website (https://nwcleanairwa.gov/), @NWCleanAir on Twitter, and NWCAA’s Facebook page for up-to-date burn ban information.
More information
- Local air quality information: Northwest Clean Air Agency.
- Statewide air quality monitoring: Washington Department of Ecology.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local air quality regulations in Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. In addition to permitting and regulating industrial sources of air pollution, the agency provides services and information related to asbestos, indoor air quality, outdoor burning, woodstoves, and fireplaces. More information about the agency is available at https://nwcleanairwa.gov/.